PRELIMINARY ENGLISH TEST

for Schools
Reading and Writing

SAMPLE PAPER 5

Time

1 hour 30 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Do not open this question paper until you are told to do so.
Write your name, centre number and candidate number on your answer sheets if they
are not already there.
Read the instructions for each part of the paper carefully.
Answer all the questions in Reading Parts 1 5 and Writing Parts 1 and 2.
Answer only one question from Writing Part 3.
Read the instructions on the answer sheets.
Write your answers on the answer sheets. Use a pencil.
You must complete the answer sheets within the time limit.
At the end of the test, hand in both this question paper and your answer sheets.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

READING
Questions 1 35 carry one mark.
WRITING
Questions 1 5 carry one mark.
Part 2 (Question 6) carries five marks.
Part 3 (Question 7 or 8) carries fifteen marks.
*
UCLES 2015

500/2414/0
Cambridge English Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3)

Reading Part 1
Questions 1 5
Look at the text in each question.
What does it say?
Mark the correct letter A, B or C on your answer sheet.
Example:
0

Why has Petra sent this text?

A Shes inviting Vicki to stay with her.
B She wants to meet Vicki at school.
C Shes hoping Vicki will cook dinner.

Answer:

A Jacks football boots are probably not in a

good condition.
FOR SALE!
FOOTBALL BOOTS
Size 42
NEVER WORN!
25 euros or nearest offer

B Jack may be prepared to accept less than 25

euros for his boots.

See Jack - Classroom 15B

C Jack is keen to obtain some new football
boots in size 42.

A See the noticeboard nearby for details about

the art classes.

ART ROOM
No classes here for students until
further notice
workmen are painting the room

B Students should only go into this room if they

wish to do some painting.

C Classes will not be held in here until the

painting is finished.

Sarah is asking whether Jane

A is bringing any friends to the party with her.
Hi Jane,
About the school party
can we invite friends
who arent pupils
there? Maybe therell
be too many people but my friend Toni
would love to come!

B knows how big the party is going to be.

C thinks anyone from outside school can attend

the party.

Sarah

A Swimmers may only practise jumping into the

pool if they are with a teacher.
NOTE TO SWIMMING
TEACHERS
Swimmers in your classes will be
asked to leave this public pool if
they run along the side or jump in.

B Swimmers who break the rules may not

continue the class with their teacher.

C Swimmers and their teachers must only use

this side of the pool for classes.

A Its as cheap for two people to eat here as

one.
SPECIAL OFFER
TWO MEALS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
- BURGER, FRIES AND DRINK!

B Two people can choose whatever they want

to eat and still pay less.

C Special meals are twice the normal size.

Reading Part 2
Questions 6 10
The teenagers below all want to visit a sea life centre.
On the opposite page there are descriptions of eight sea life centres.
Decide which sea life centre would be the most suitable for the following people.
For questions 6 10, mark the correct letter (A H) on your answer sheet.

Maria is studying sea creatures that are disappearing due to

environmental changes, and wants to attend a talk about them.
Shes also interested in learning about whats living on the
beaches nearby.

Camerons art project is on colourful fish so he wants to draw

some, and take home some photos of unusual sea creatures. He
and his family also want to swim at the centre afterwards.

Josh is interested in tiny sea animals, and wants to actually

handle them and learn what conditions they need to live in.
Hed also enjoy seeing a feeding session for the larger creatures.

Harry is interested in creatures living in cold climates, and how

they find food. Hed like to create something for his art
homework too, and learn about photographing underwater
wildlife.

10

Samantha would love to swim with fish at the centre. Shed also
like to learn about a range of sea environments, and about
unusual creatures living at the bottom of our oceans.

Centres
A

Goldenwave
Come and see the variety of warm
sea environments at this centre
and creatures so small you might not
have noticed them living on the
beach, or the most beautiful fish
living in our oceans. Bring your
camera and learn to take the best
photos ever!

Rockwater
We have sea creatures from both
warm and cooler waters in our
huge glass tanks. You can even
go into the water in one,
accompanied by staff ask at the
desk! Weve also got fish that are
rarely seen, as theyre normally
found in the very deepest water
on our planet. No photography is
allowed.

Splashdown
Perfect for family fun our tropical
swimming pool thats only divided
from the penguins next door by a
wall of glass! See them swimming
in their pool while youre in yours!
And dont miss their mealtimes watch as they dive for their food.

Waterlife
Weve got some of the rarest fish in
the world, and the most beautiful.
See the clown fish with its bright
yellow and white stripes! Cameras
arent allowed, but amazing
professional pictures are available in
our shop. Then once youve seen
everything, relax in our fantastic
warm pool strictly for humans!

Brightworld
Many creatures here are
normally found in environments
with low temperatures, such as
our big group of penguins.
Come and see our amazing
displays of photos showing
these birds diving for their
supper! There are also short
talks on using your camera for
great shots of fish, and painting
sessions, too.

Marine Life
Keen to protect our oceans? Come and
see the work were doing there are
presentations about it every hour. For
example, we try to help shark numbers
worldwide remain at healthy levels. And
visit our amazing rock pool displays full
of tiny creatures, typical of ones that
make their homes near the sea just
metres away!

Oceanwatch
The focus is on science here there
are films throughout the day about
oceans around the world and the
environmental problems facing
marine wildlife. Theres plenty to
learn, and lots of souvenirs to buy!
Free brochures full of information.

Waterlife
See some of the smallest sea life
such as shrimps and starfish at
our rock pool display - and even
pick them up! Find out how clean
sea water is essential to these
creatures, and the effects of
pollution. And dont miss
watching the penguins and seals
have their lunch thats really
popular!

Reading Part 3
Questions 11 20
Look at the sentences below about a rock climbing trip.
Read the text on the opposite page to decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect.
If it is correct, mark A on your answer sheet.
If it is not correct, mark B on your answer sheet.

11

Samantha and her father travelled a great distance to the place where they went climbing.

12

The place where Samantha and her dad got off the boat was very cheerful-looking.

13

They were disappointed by the accommodation and the transport provided.

14

There were still a number of climbing routes on the island waiting to be explored.

15

Samantha found her climb easy because the route she took had been prepared for climbers.

16

Samantha thinks the island is generally a safer climbing location than most others.

17

Samantha liked the fact that she could chat with people her age after a days climbing.

18

Samantha had difficulty with the technique of using the rope to make herself safe.

19

Samantha found climbing up the cliff harder than her friend from home did.

20

Samantha and her dad said they would return one day to the beach they found.

CLIMBING TRIP
by Samantha Davis
My dad and I have both done a bit of climbing at our local sports centre. So we decided to go on a
trip together, climbing the high rocks along the coastline of a small island. Although it wasnt far
from where we live, the journey across the sea took quite a long time but it was worth it!
As we approached the island, Dad pointed out the rocks covered in colourful plants, wild goats
and bees, which were once the only signs of life on this now popular place for visitors. The island
has become well-known as a climbing venue and the ferry we took across to the island was full of
climbers carrying boots and backpacks.
We arrived at the islands harbour, full of brightly-coloured houses lit by the early-morning sun. We
were met by a driver in an ancient old car, arranged by the travel company wed booked with. The
driver took us to the tiny apartment, which, like the car, had seen better days, but it was
comfortable and we werent going to spend much time there anyway.
There are lots of possible climbs up the islands rocks, and not all of them have been discovered
by climbers, but many have places clearly marked out so climbers can easily see where to put
their hands and feet. All we needed were shoes, ropes and the equipment for attaching the rope to
the rocks, although despite the markings on the rocks, I still had problems! Anyway, climbing is
obviously not without risk, and things can still go wrong, but youre far less likely to get into
difficulties on the island.
There was a wide range of climbers, both in ability and age, so there was no need for my previous
worries about being the only teenager. Away from the rocks and back in the town, there was a
very sociable atmosphere in the cafes, where we compared notes on what wed achieved that
day.
One day, our climbing destination was a rough cliff, with very little to put my hands and feet on. It
was amazing how quickly I learnt to attach my rope onto the rock to avoid falling as I climbed!
Then I realised the boy climbing next to me was someone I knew. We waved, smiled and moved
on, although he seemed to find the rock far less of a challenge!
Once Dad and I were down at ground level again, we stopped at a beach, which was deserted.
We walked along with our feet in the water and promised ourselves that it wouldnt be the last time
that we sat on that stretch of beach.

Reading Part 4
Questions 21 25
Read the text and questions below.
For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

Water-skiing barefoot
by Dan Thomas
Have you ever been barefoot water-skiing? Its just like normal water-skiing, being pulled
along behind a boat at 40 mph but without any skis! It sounds scary but its amazing! My
cousin used to take me water-skiing, and thats where I first learnt to stand up and balance.
But I moved on to barefooting when I did it for a laugh with some mates. And I loved it!
Barefoot water-skiing is one of the most popular watersports there is to watch, anyway!
When someone jumps really high and then lands, its awesome. And you dont need
expensive stuff like boards, although a wetsuits a good idea. But catching your toes on things
in the lake can hurt. I guess you cant help getting water up your nose when you start
learning, too, as you have to lie almost flat in the water before you pull yourself up but its
OK.
Now Im experienced, Ive learnt not to attempt new moves in rough water as it never goes
well. Instead, I make sure I limit myself to skiing directly behind the boat, where the waters
calmer. I ask the boat drivers to warn me about big waves coming, although they cant always
see them.
Finding time to practise regularly is hard as Im still at school but then its not as if Im into
winning prizes and stuff. But if I want to learn a new move, I need to repeat it over and over,
and thats not easy in winter when its cold. Lots of skiers say theyll continue during cold
weather, but not many do. So Im often the only one out on the lake!

21

22

What is Dan trying to do in this text about barefoot water-skiing?

A

explain why hes determined to become a champion

convince people that his sport is both safe and easy

suggest the best ways to begin learning his sport

describe what he does to get better at his sport

Dan started barefoot water-skiing when

A

he tried it out just for fun.

he realised how easy it was to do.

he was taught how to do it by his cousin.

he was persuaded by friends to have a go.

23

24

25

What does Dan think are the disadvantages of barefoot water-skiing ?

A

Although not much equipment is needed, it isnt cheap.

If your feet hit something in the water, its painful.

If you start in the wrong position, you breathe in water.

Although you jump higher without skis, its harder to land.

How does Dan feel about skiing in rough water?

A

confident that his boat drivers will keep him safe

annoyed about having to ski inside a limited area

unwilling to try anything he hasnt practised before

certain of his ability to handle difficult conditions

What might Dan write to a friend about his barefoot water-skiing?

A

Im one of the few people who

avoids going once the weather gets
a bit colder!

Its a fantastic water sport to watch

its just a shame more people
dont enjoy going to see it.

The boat travels along in the water

at quite a speed, but its not as
frightening as youd think!

If I can fit enough practice of the

sport in with my studies, Im hoping
to win a prize.

Reading Part 5
Questions 26 35
Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space.
For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.
Example:
0

Answer:

get
0

B
A

help

have

give

WATER
Youre thirsty and you (0) yourself a glass of water. Do you ever
(26) how old that water really is?

The glass of water that youre

(27) to drink may have fallen from the sky as rain only last week.

However, water itself has been around pretty much as (28) as the earth
has! In fact, (29) oceans, seas and rivers cover 70% of the earth, there
is a (30) supply of water, which keeps on moving round the earth. This
is (31) of whats known as the water cycle. The sun heats up water and
it turns into clouds, which are (32) from water vapour. When the clouds
become (33) , the water falls back onto the earth as rain.
Of course, clean water is absolutely essential for good health. The amount of
safe drinking water has gone up around the world, but (34) one billion
people still lack easy (35) to clean water.

26

decide

enquire

wonder

suggest

27

around

ahead

along

about

28

soon

far

early

long

29

unless

although

until

despite

30

limited

narrow

slim

lacking

31

except

due

because

instead

32

risen

formed

raised

found

33

strong

heavy

complete

broad

34

mostly

particularly

approximately

totally

35

access

admission

entry

contact

Writing Part 1
Questions 1 5
Here are some sentences about going to see a comedy film.
For each question, complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first.
Use no more than three words.
Write only the missing words on your answer sheet.
You may use this page for any rough work.
Example:
0

A new comedy film came to our local cinema last week.

There was a new comedy film our local cinema last week.

Answer:

at

My mum gave me some money to go and see the film.

I was .......................... some money by my mum to go and see the film.

I asked my friend Jack if he wanted to go to the cinema with me.

`Do .......................... to go to the cinema with me, Jack? I asked.

We bought some chocolate to eat during the film.

We bought some chocolate to eat while we ....................... watching the film.

Ive never seen such a funny film.

It was the ...................... film Ive ever seen.

I prefer comedy films to science fiction.

Id rather watch comedy films ..................... science fiction.

Writing Part 2
Question 6
You are going to take part in a skateboarding competition, but your skateboard is broken.
Write a note to your friend Danny. In your note you should

explain how your skateboard broke

ask to borrow Dannys skateboard

say when you will need it.

Write 35-45 words on your answer sheet.

Writing Part 3
Write the answer to one of the questions (7 or 8) in this part.
Write your answer in about 100 words on your answer sheet.
Tick the box (Question 7 or Question 8) on your answer sheet to show which question you
have answered.
Question 7

This is part of a letter you receive from an English friend.

Ive just read a novel it was an e-book you know, an electronic

one you read on a screen. Tell me about the books you like
reading. Which is better, reading on a screen or reading a printed
book?

Now write a letter, answering your friends questions.

Write your letter in about 100 words on your answer sheet.

Question 8

Your English teacher wants you to write a story.

This is the title for your story:

An exciting morning

Write your story in about 100 words on your answer sheet.

Do not write your answer

on this page.
You must write your answer for
Writing Part 3 on
the separate answer sheet.

Do not write your answer

on this page.
You must write your answer for
Writing Part 3 on
the separate answer sheet.

www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/first/how-to-prepare
www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english

www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/resources-for-teachers

Pictures, Reading Part 1

snowwhiteimages, 123RF
John McAllister, 123RF
Wavebreak Media Ltd, 123RF
Jose Manuel Gelpi Diaz, 123RF
Ekaterina Pokrovsky, 123RF